Accuracy problem after barrel threading

[SwampRabbit]

Could it have been a fouling issue?

[txfireguy2003]

I suppose it could be fouling, but the barrel was clean when I started, shouldn't have fouled in 15 rounds, and I don't think it would have declined so much so fast. It was like flipping a switch!

[SwampRabbit]

I think the takeaway here is there are alot of potential causes, one of which is your ability... since you seem to have a flier every group. You don't have enough data points to confirm or reject the possibilities. Take a deap breath and take it to the range and keep an eye on it.

[dustoffer]

Just my guess, but four things come to mind: 1. Barrel heating up--you shot a bunch of rounds. 2. Bedding problem which would be aggravated by #1. #3. Shooter ability. #4. Unstable rest/rear bag.

And, just came to me--swap scopes and try again--you never know when a scope can go bad and unless the lens cracks or something like the reticle falling out of the line of sight, it can be hard to diagnose a bad scope.

[txfireguy2003]

Thanks for the help guys, I've got a few avenues to pursue now. I'm going to start by bedding a new rail onto the receiver, getting a new higher quality stock, and testing with a different scope.

I hate to come across like a pompous rear, but I don't think it's my ability. My ability, with this rifle, has consistently been significantly sub MOA, even with my fliers, I'm still usually 1/2 - 3/4 MOA and that was repeated in this test.

I can buy barrel heat, but I just.net feel like that would have been a gradual increase in group size, not 4 shots touching followed by a 2" group.

The "bedding" is for sure a problem, and I'm not sure I can do anything about it, short of replacing the stock, but again, this never happened before, with the same stock.

I guess my rest could be a problem, but again, it's never been a problem before, front and rear sand bags. The rifle is as stable as any I've ever seen, and I'm not muscling onto target either. I adjust the bags until it naturally points at the target and I can let go of everything, close my eyes etc and it stays on target.

[kingranch]

This is exactly why I chose not to thread my barrel
an old salty dog gunsmith told me that if it's not done perfectly it throws off the harmonics and trueness of the barrel. ...I'm not sure if that's ur problem but I would try a few different loads to confirm

[dustoffer]

If the rifle isn't glass bedded with pillars, I'd first check the scope and then go with bedding and pillars unless you are swapping out the stock. Tupperware stocks such as come on the big box store Savages are well known for this type of problem. I fixed one once by inletting a groove under the barrel and then glass-bedding a .25" steel rod in the groove. And, though you feel your abilities are OK, still focus and go through your mental checklist for each shot. When I was doing this as my business (accuracy work-ups) the major problem I encountered with my customers was poor trigger control and poor discipline related to waiting between shots. In the summer, even first thing in the morning, I waited a minimum of 2 minutes between shots the first group, at least 5 minutes between groups, and when it started to warm up, it was 3 minutes plus between shots.

Patience grasshopper! And, keep us posted---

[txfireguy2003]

Thanks, I'll let y'all know. Yes, it's a crappy Tupperware stock. It is certainly possible, probable even, that I got her too hot. I was single feeding, but I do have a habit of getting excited sheen I see something going well, and considering that I was extremely nervous from the get go with this job, when I saw two great groups, I might have started running too fast. Not necessarily too fast for me, but fast enough to get the gun overheated and tick her off. I'm try again soon.

[txfireguy2003]

Well, I got the stock issue fixed, now I just need to find some mags for it......I'm too impatient to wait, but come on Magpul with your AICS mags!

[kcnatural]

I have a feeling we have a long wait on the magpul mags. I'm digging that chassi, I hope it works good for you.

[Jackhawk 9000]

I had this same issue with a gun I had threaded. I tried everything but it never shot tight groups again. I ended up selling it and was honest with the buyer about why. I hope you figure yours out!

[SOLID EAGLE]

Well, I got the stock issue fixed, now I just need to find some mags for it......I'm too impatient to wait, but come on Magpul with your AICS mags!

I found you some mags.

http://www.redhawkrifles.com/product...azine-308-5-rd

http://www.cdiprecisiongunworksstore...nal-aics-mags/

http://www.tacticalworks.com/Accurac...e-.308-AI.html

[txfireguy2003]

Thanks Solid Eagle. I'm probably going to be ordering some today, but was hoping to find one or two locally...chances of that are slim though I think. Do have one gun shop that has a few rifles in chassis for sale, they might carry a mag or two.

[Tommyh]

Did they clean the crown up when they cut and threaded it?

[txfireguy2003]

Yeah, it was cleaned up, but I'm not sure how well it was done. As soon as I can get a mag, I'm going to go shot again, and see if it was the combination of heat, cheap stock etc. If that won't work, I'll take it to a different shop to have it recrowned, and possibly have the threads checked/chased.